Monday, October 29, 2012

HALLOWEEN BOISE STYLE

While visiting my Aunt in Boise, we also were able to go to her trunk or treat.  I thought that we basically knew how trunk or treats went, but let me tell you.  These Boise people really know how to do it!!!

First, they had PLENTY of food (chili and taco soups) to feed the group inside the church.

Next, I couldn't believe the costumes that I saw there.  Really, I mean, they went all out!!!

I think she was Red Riding Hood.  And the girl in black?  Well, let's get another angle.

Yep!  A skunk!

A few angels and a goddess

Fun vampire girl

LOVED the pirate!  That's a classic!

Another one of my favorites was this jellyfish

And what about these candycorns?  Too sweet too eat for sure!!!

And then, not only were the kids dressed up, but most of the adults too!!!

Loved this Ninja Turtle, complete with shell and all!

And my Aunt totally got a kick out of Flash

Complete with the Flash shoes too!

When we went outside for the trunk or treat, we saw this fun sight!  Pumpkin bon fires baby!!!

Great car ideas.  These 2 were scientist and gave out samples of homemade rootbeer.

This pumpkin had actual lightbulbs in the pumpkin.  I really have no idea how they did it!!!

It was almost like Rippleys Believe It or Not all night!!!


By the end of the evening, everyone was visiting and chatting.  It was just SO much fun!!! 

And, I've made a commitment to work on Halloween costumes in August so that I am not running behind anymore.  

Sunday, October 28, 2012

BOISE ID TEMPLE

I was so excited to take our family to the Boise, ID Temple Open House. This temple was closed for almost 2 years for renovations, including a whole new roof. I believe the whole thing is brand new.

We also arranged for it to be on the weekend that Robyn and Jason were blessing their baby Kaylor.  Of course, we had to decide to miss our Primary Program (which we also did in 2009), a Harry Potter day at ISU, a baby shower, etc.

We stayed with Aunt Sondra (like usual) and really enjoyed our time there.

Kate, coloring and waiting patiently to go to the temple

It was a chilly morning, but with beautiful blue skies.  We got to park right at the temple, so that was great for us!  The experience went well and was pretty quick.  The last 2 open houses that we have been to, the usher you in and out so quickly that you barely get to see anything.  But, we have gone on Saturdays (mainly because that was the only time that we could go).  The dark wood in the temple is beautiful!  Their sessions start every 30 minutes (versus Idaho Falls starts every hour).  I hope that Brandon and I can attend a session there soon!

The other crazy thing was that there were no cookies or punch after the tour.  They gave out a little candy.  I guess that Brigham City Temple went so far over budget that they never get to have that again.  (A sad point because when we took the kids to the Rexburg Open House, we asked Dawson what his favorite part was and he said, "The cookies and punch!")

Our family around the fountain

Our 3 blessings

Aunt Sondra with the kids and Zoey

Family on the side of the temple

Kate

Dawson and Faith
 

Us :)
 

Aunt Sondra

Dad, Mom and Kate
 
 Kiddos!


Thursday, October 18, 2012

SCHOOL PICTURES 2012

 I can't believe how much the kids have changed in 4 short months!

Faith

 Dawson

Kate

She already looks different with her missing tooth!!!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

GLOW BOWLING WITH FAITH

Faith had a very fun bowling party with her friends.  When we showed up, we realized that our party would be a glow bowling party, thanks to yet another party that was there.  And the best part - we were able to bowl for the same price!!!  SO much fun!

Faith

Dawson and Bryleigh

Kate and Bryleigh

Tymber and Faith

Dawson

Madison

Tymber

Kate

Faith and Mom

Our group -
Back row - Shelby, Tymber, Faith
Madison, Bryleigh, Whitney, Page, McKenzie
Dawson, Kate, McKenzie

Call Me Maybe!


Thanks girls for helping Faith to have a very fun, cool, hip 12th birthday party!!!

Friday, October 12, 2012

SWEET TOOTH LOST

Kate is a lover of Pinkalicious and all the others. So this week, we received our scholastic order and in it was Silverlicious! 

This tooth has been hanging on for over a week and after my trip to the dentist, I was encouraged.  I told Kate that it just had to go!  So, I got a piece of gauze, used my big muscles, and after just 2 tries, it popped right out!  Kate cried for about 5 minutes, but then gave me this cheery smile!

Later on that day, she is telling everyone that she lost her sweet tooth like Silverlicious!  A couple hours later, Kate demanded that I put her picture on Facebook so that 'everyone can see.'  It was just SO cute!  I am proud that she was brave, and also a little proud of myself for getting that tooth.  It was my first one between all 3 of my kids!!!  YEAH!!! 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

MY TOP THREE - OCTOBER 2012

Every 6 months, I longingly wait and anticipate the opportunity to watch General Conference. To be able to hear the Prophet of God and other inspired leaders share messages from our Father in Heaven is truly a delight.

This year, I had a hard time deciding which talks were my top three.  There were SO many great speakers and messages.  I also loved every talk of the Relief Society General Session.  I can't wait to re-read each talk and highlight my ensign as we study these for our family home evenings.

So, in no particular order, here are my top three!

Sister Ann M. Dibb talked about her motto for living and loving the gospel.  After some thought, she came up with, "I'm a Mormon!  I know it, I live it, I love it!"  This talk reminded me that I should be proud to be a Mormon and to show it by the things that I do and the attitude I show as I do those things.  This talk will be one that I think I will remember for years to come.  You can read the rest of Sister Dibb's talk here.  (P.S.  Did you know that Sister Dibb is President Monson's daughter?)

President Monson's talk titled "Consider the Blessings" really touched me.  He spoke about the Kansas City Temple Cultural Celebration that occurred before the dedication.  The Jumbotron that would show pictures and tie everything together was not working during the rehearsals where thousands of youth were practicing for the first time.  They knelt on the floor just an hour before start time to call upon the Lord.  President Monson and everyone else there were unaware of the problems of the day because everything went as planned that evening.

President Monson stated, "I never cease to be amazed by how the Lord can motivate and direct the length and breadth of His kingdom and yet have time to provide inspiration concerning one individual --- or one cultural celebration or one Jumbotron.  The fact the He can, that He does, is a testimony to me."

President Eyring's talk in the Relief Society session titled "The Caregiver" was fantastic.  He shared a story about pioneer woman helping each other and then this question that was recorded from a sister.  "What comes next for willing hands to do?

He was also touched when, as a father and miles away, knew that his daughter was being watched over by a visiting teacher when her baby came 3 months early.

Speaking of Relief Society, he says, "The sisters make that possible by being slow to judge those going through trials.  Most people carrying heavy loads begin to doubt themselves and their own worth.  We ligthen their loads as we are patient with their weaknesses and celebrate whatever good ness we can see in them.  The Lord does that.  And we could follow His example --- He the greatest nurturer of all."

I encourage you to read these and all of the general conference talks at lds.org

Sunday, October 7, 2012

CONFERENCE TREE AND TREAT

For conference this time, we were able to have a CONFERENCE TREE.  Each speaker had a leaf about what they talked about.  It was super fun to put them up with their topics.  All of the women were owls - just to stand out a little!!!  Here was in the middle of the first session.


We also made treats.  This is a salted nut roll where we added candy corns.  Super yummy and delicious!


We hope you are all on a spiritual high this weekend.  Our family LOVES conference!!!


WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT TURNING TWELVE?

When Faith was turning seven, she asked me quite thoughtfully. "Mom, I know what is special about turning eight.  What's special about turning seven?"  I did some quick thinking and said, "You can get your ears pierced."

Now, I think about how she's grown so much.  She is probably thinking, "What's special about turning twelve?"  Even though she is not official a teenager, we are excited that she is now officially in Young Women's.  She also surpassed me in height and is the tallest girl in the house.

Faith, we love you so much!  I couldn't help but show everyone your facial expressions!!!  Happy birthday Faith!!!












Strawberry shortcake birthday cake!


Make a wish and blow out your candles!